Articles & Tips.

“When a loved one dies, so much is left behind, and sometimes, in the midst of mementos and other remembrances, there’s a manuscript tucked away. Maybe it’s complete, or maybe it’s only halfway there. Whatever the case, finding those papers is like discovering a treasure: a piece of someone we’ve lost that can bring them back to us, at least for a little while.”

“When speaking to others, we often switch tenses, especially when we’re excited. In writing, however, readers don’t have the benefit of hearing us speak or seeing our gestures and expressions, which means that a mix of past, present, and future tenses can leave readers incredibly confused. You can remedy the problem and avoid reader confusion with just a little planning and preparation, but maybe you’re unsure which you should choose in writing. if the topic of tenses makes you … well, tense … take heart! Stephanie and Angela are here to walk you through what you need to know, including an explanation of the six main types of tenses, how to choose the right tense for your book, and the best way to handle tricky situations like flashbacks and foreshadowing.”

“Time and again from writers (both new and established), we hear, ‘My book is for everyone!’ But nothing appeals to everyone. To effectively reach people, you need to know whom you’re writing for–your audience. Today, we discuss how authors can determine their target audience and answer the questions ‘How can I keep my personal writing style while still appealing to readers?’ and, of course, ‘How does knowing my target audience affect the marketing of my book?’ ”

“Point of view is the perspective from which a story (either fiction or nonfiction) is written. It affects the tone of the story, the connection readers develop with the characters, and the amount of information that can be shared. While often confusing, especially for new authors, it isn’t nearly as complicated as it might seem. And as always, Stephanie and Angela are here to help!”

“Have you ever noticed that no matter what type of printed material you read—books, articles, papers, etc.—each industry-specific publication looks much the same as the next: one space after periods; a certain placement of commas; a particular format to block quotations; and footnotes and endnotes all tidy and consistent? This continuity is due to one thing: use of a style guide. Join us as we discuss the various style guides—and how to use them!”

“Once you’ve chosen a literary edit or critique service from Dog Ear Publishing, you’re likely wondering what will happen next. Stephanie and Angela talk you through the process, including what your editor is hoping to see, common issues that can make an editor’s job more difficult, and how an author can work together with an editor to ensure the process goes smoothly!”